By B. Morales, Rubenstein Law
Some of the most memorable traditions happen in the fall. The scent of grilled meat fills the air, fight songs resound, and fans show up in all their collegiate glory. We’re talking about college football season and why you'll find us at many local games.
What’s not to love about college football? You become part of a community as you cheer, cry, and sometimes yell at refs, with thousands of your closest friends.
Among our own staff, there are many who love supporting their local teams.
“I'm a proud University of South Florida alum, and love that I get to practice in the Tampa Bay area. The games get loud as they're held at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Bucs,” said RL attorney, Christopher Gaj.
Among his favorite tailgate traditions is spending time with friends. “I get to share memories and laugh so hard I cry with college friends. After memory lane, we're able to cheer on the Bulls in our finest green and gold.”
We also want you to live your best fan life, so here's how to have the best game day ever.
Wear it Proud
One of the most iconic college football traditions is looking game-day ready.
Mascot-sporting swag and face paint, or classy team-colored sundresses and bow ties a la southern charm...whatever you choose: wear your colors proud. Basic psychology confirms that what we wear affects how we perform; sporting school colors personifies the mood and spirit of the day.
To be seen is what it’s all about. As RL attorney John Eversole noted, his University of Virginia Cavaliers wisely chose a bold orange and blue in 1888 because it really stands out. When a player glances over to the stands and sees the crowd wearing his colors, he knows they support him with every pass.
Whether you’re a student, an alumnus/alumna, parent, faculty or simply a college football aficionado--this is the time to go the extra mile to show your team some love.
Favorite Game Day Traditions
Here are some of our staff and football fans' favorite moments:
UF: linking arms to sing, “We are the Boys from Old Florida,” a tradition that dates back to the 1920s followed by the new Tom Petty tribute at the end of the 3rd quarter.
FSU: watching a representative Seminole leader blaze down the field on an Appaloosa horse, and hurling a burning spear.
UM: sitting around Lake Osceola on campus to see the fireworks display at every homecoming is “lit” (pun intended); these fireworks often rival what you see on July 4.
USF: hearing the marching band, the Herd of Thunder, stampede onto the field; when the Bulls score and the crowd cheers, "S-O-UTH F-L-O-R-I-D-A, SOUTH FLORIDA SOUTH FLORIDA...GOOO BULLS!"
UCF: charging into the Reflection Pond for Spirit Splash during homecoming; seeing Knightro “charge on” and jousting/jumping to Zombie Nation.
FAMU: seeing the world-renown Marching 100, which has performed for the Super Bowl, Grammys and the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.
FIU: raising a Panther-like fist after a good play; the moonlight procession across campus for Trail of the Torch followed by the homecoming pep rally.
Play it Safe
As always, remember that you can't lose by playing it safe. Even if you’re not driving far to see your hometown team, drive extra carefully on game day--both on and off campus.
- Know what you need to do in case of a minor incident.
- Buckle up and ensure passengers have seat belts on.
- Stay sober and alert; don’t drive after drinking.
Visit the Rubenstein Law Booth
As official partners of Florida’s leading college football teams, you’ll find us sponsoring many tailgates this season. Come by and say hello! Find us by visiting our event page on Facebook and view our Instagram Stories @RubensteinLaw on game days. Past tailgate fun can be seen via #CollegeGamesRecapWeek. If you're styling our swag, tag us (#RubensteinLaw) to show us your Game Day x RL look!
Have fun, and win or lose--support your team!
DISCLAIMER: the content above is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as legal advice nor replace legal counsel in the case of an incident. Readers should not act upon blog information, or decide not to act based upon this information, without first seeking appropriate professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction. If you are in need of legal assistance, please contact Rubenstein Law at 1-800-FL-LEGAL.